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EAST LANSING, Mich. -
Michigan State tailback T.J. Duckett, the Spartans' fifth all-time leading rusher with 3,379 career yards, has decided to forgo his senior season by declaring himself eligible for the 2002 National Football League Draft. Duckett made the announcement Thursday on Michigan State's campus - one day prior to the NFL's Jan. 11 deadline for underclassmen to file paperwork for the draft.
Duckett, a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, rushed for 1,420 yards in 2001 - the fifth-best single-season total in Spartan history. The 6-foot-1, 249-pound running back finished third in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 118.3 yards per game. As a junior, he accounted for 77 percent of Michigan State's rushing offense (1,420 of 1,854 yards) and scored 12 of its 19 rushing touchdowns.
The Kalamazoo, Mich., native played as well as anyone down the stretch in 2001, averaging 139.0 yards over his last seven games. Duckett recorded his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the 2001 season in MSU's 44-35 victory over No. 20 Fresno State in the Silicon Valley Football Classic, gaining 184 yards on 27 carries. He also scored on TD runs of 5 and 39 yards against Fresno State.
Duckett earned USAToday.com National Player of the Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after producing a season-high 211 yards on 27 rushes in MSU's 26-24 upset victory over No. 6 Michigan. He became the first running back in 2001 to gain 100 yards against Michigan, which entered the game ranked first in the NCAA in rushing defense, allowing only 54.4 yards per game. Duckett also became the first back in Spartan history to record a 200-yard rushing game in the MSU-Michigan series. His 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter vs. Michigan gave the Spartans a 14-10 lead. Duckett also caught three passes for 19 yards vs. Michigan including the game winner, a 2-yard TD toss from Jeff Smoker as time expired.
"I wouldn't trade my three years at Michigan State for anything in this world, but the time has come for me to move on," Duckett said. "I have decided to forgo my senior season and apply for early entry into the NFL Draft.
"I had a very productive meeting with Coach Williams last Friday. After the meeting, I was leaning towards entering the draft, but I wasn't ready to make an announcement. I wanted to take those six days and do my homework on the NFL. I'm very comfortable with my decision and I really appreciate Coach Williams' support. I'm ready to realize my dream and play professional football. The time is right for me to take the next step.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches here at Michigan State, my teammates, my family and Spartan fans," he said. "I have truly enjoyed the college experience. I also want to thank the athletic department and university administration for providing an atmosphere where student-athletes can excel, both on and off the field. I love everything about this great institution. I feel deeply blessed to have had the opportunity to wear the Green and White."
Duckett finished his career ranked among MSU's all-time leaders in rushing touchdowns (tied for fourth at 29), total TDs (tied for fifth at 30), rushing attempts (sixth at 621) and all-purpose yards (10th at 3,530). He had 14 career 100-yard rushing games, including a career-high 248 yards against Iowa (30 attempts) in 2000.
"I'm happy for T.J. Duckett because he can fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL," Spartan head coach Bobby Williams said. "T.J. had a difficult decision to make and he has my full support. He has done an awful lot for this football program.
"T.J. is one of the finest running backs ever to play here at Michigan State. He has had a very productive career and has helped us win some big football games. T.J. has all the skills and tools to be successful at the next level. I wish him the very best of luck in the NFL."
The 2002 NFL Draft will be conducted April 20-21 in New York City.
